IP Outreach Research > IP Crime

Reference

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Main Findings

Just about half the teenagers surveyed are familiar with the current rules for downloading images, literature, music, movies and software from the Internet: while 51% reported to know them well or very well, 49% were unfamiliar with these rules. The more teenagers are familiar with the downloading rules, the more strongly they are in favour of punishing illegal downloading: 82% of teenagers familiar with the regulations said illegal downloaders should be punished; among those unfamiliar with the rules, merely 57% thought that violators should be punished.

Still, teenagers tend to regard illegal downloading as less offensive than other forms of stealing: whereas 90% found punishment for stealing a bike appropriate, just 48% indicated a punishment was appropriate for illegal downloading.

The most popular information sources about the rules and guidelines for downloading are: parents (reported by 50% of those familiar with regulations), followed by TV/magazines/newspapers (14%), websites (10%), teachers (9%), friends (8%), and the Internet (8%). Increased familiarity with these rules and guidelines decreases interest among teens in illegal downloading.

Two in three teens surveyed stated that peer pressure (with 66% agreeing that the affirmation “most people see their friends doing it and figure ‘why not’” had an impact) and affordability (with 65% agreeing that the affirmation “most people your age cannot afford to pay for it” had an impact) would cause their peers to continue to download illegally. The most important reason given for following the rules was to avoid problems with parents and family.

[Date Added: Jan 20, 2009 ]